Saying farewell to our Frontage Building

Over 100 singers performed an original composition, by composer and conductor Naomi Hammerton ahead of the closure of the front entrance and Frontage Building early next year. The work is part of our plans to build a new world-leading Children's Cancer Centre.

Over 70 children from three Camden primary schools were joined by the Guardian’s Staff Choir, King’s Place Choir and the GOSH and University College London Hospital (UCLH) Choir. With lyrics designed to inspire, the piece spoke about strong foundations, the connection between Great Ormond Street Hospital patients, staff, families and the community and brighter futures.

Matthew Shaw, Chief Executive of GOSH said:

"Taking time to come together to mark this significant change at GOSH is so important. Our future builds on our past and our new Children’s Cancer Centre will mean we have the very best environment for our patients. Alongside the CCC, we will also have a fantastic new main entrance and welcome area for all the patients and families who come to GOSH."

Danielle Valdar, GOSH Choir member and Deputy Headteacher at the GOSH School said:

The lyrics of Naomi’s song will really resonate with people, ‘Seasons may change, but our values stay the same – the child first and always’ – this is why the building of the new Children’s Cancer Centre means so much to us. It’s a really exciting time and this event is the start of it.

Work is due to start in 2024 and the first change will be the closure of our main entrance on Great Ormond Street. Families will be notified by letter, through My GOSH and text message to let them know when this is happening and you can start up to date by visiting our dedicated Children Cancer Centre Building Works webpages.

The Children’s Cancer Centre is being largely funded by Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH Charity), who have embarked on their biggest ever fundraising appeal, Build It. Beat It. The Charity is aiming to raise £300m to help build the Children’s Cancer Centre at GOSH, to save more children’s lives and transform cancer care.

The Farewell Frontage event was commissioned by GOSH Arts and the song was developed with input from staff. The Farewell Frontage event was planned by GOSH Arts and the song was developed with input from staff and local people.